| KSig RC |
09-17-2004 12:44 PM |
Quote:
Originally posted by sugar and spice
I don't necessarily agree -- or disagree -- with the article posted below, but I thought I'd throw it out there:
http://www.pponline.co.uk/encyc/0657.htm
Of course, the article divides groups up on more than just race, so I'm not sure it's exactly what we're arguing here. And it touches on running more than other sports, but I think what it says can be applied to basketball and, to a lesser extent, baseball and football.
I have to admit, however, that as a runner I hear tons about the Kenyans dominating the distance sport and there has got to be more of a reason for that than just training -- although race isn't necessarily it. But the "more slow-twitch muscle fibers" argument makes sense to me, if it's true.
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A.) Not hard to debunk the source, considering it's hardly a primary-source science rag
B.) The 'slow-twitch' muscle argument, while it has scientific support, does NOT apply to race, per se - otherwise, anyone of that particular east african lineage would have the same characteristics, no? Including those who moved from the source of the lineage, say, centuries ago . . .
C.) There is an inherent flaw in this type of research, as well, in that neutral controls are impossible given the subject matter. This makes the 'science' dubious from the standpoint of narrowing down causal links. Occam's razor still rules the day.
D.) Also, running requires unique attributes compared to other sports, which have stronger strategy, teamwork, etc components - do you mean to tell me that, for instance, Asians are born with a stronger inate sense of Judo technique and sparring strategy? How are we going to study this, and how can we eliminate (entirely relevant) social and cultural "background noise" from the experiment?
E.) Why don't we see these supposed 'racial' trends in anything else other than sport? isn't that vieeeerd?
-RC
--That's why i'm here, keepin it REAL (plus work is slow today) |
